VIJAYAWADA: APGENCO managing director K.V.N. Chakradhar Babu said Andhra Pradesh has achieved the maximum monthly power generation of 79,042 million units in June after a gap of 15–20 years.
He underlined that this achievement has become possible after a long gap, with all six units of the Machkund powerhouse in Odisha generating power in May after a gap of two years.
Chakradhar Babu recalled that Machkund Hydro Electric Project had been developed in 1955–59 between Andhra Pradesh and Odisha on a 70:30 cost-benefit ratio in accordance with the original 1945 agreement. He underlined that the project is under the administrative control of APGENCO and presently the ratio has been modified to 50:50.
The Genco MD said Machkund Hydroelectric Station has a capacity of 120 MW (3x17 MW + 3x23MW). The turbines have already served for 64 years against the designed life of 35 years.
However, the project had to be shut down for maintenance and repairs for about two years. After being refurbished, all six units of the Machkund powerhouse started generating power in May last.
Chakradhar said the recommissioning had been made possible due to continuous encouragement, guidance and support of special chief secretary K. Vijayanand, energy minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy and Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.
